Video Transcript

Introduction to the
Municipal Bond Asset Class

TOM BUTCHER: Jim, thank you very
much for joining me today. Why should investors consider a portfolio allocation
to the municipal bond asset class?

JIM COLBY: Modern portfolio
theory has it that portfolios should be diversified and that means investments
in a variety of different asset classes. Municipal bonds have shown to be a
valuable part of a diversified asset allocation. Why? Historically they have
not correlated, i.e., matched the performance of other asset classes, which
means the valuations of municipal bonds may potentially to rise as the value of
other equity positions might fall, offering the potential for a balanced
portfolio approach to your investment goals. Another important feature is the
value of the tax exempt coupon. The tax benefit provided by municipal bonds is
known, but perhaps not clearly understood in terms of the ultimate comparison
and value that munis can bring to an asset allocation model.

BUTCHER: What investment option should investors consider?

COLBY: There are a variety of options available to municipal investors.
For many years individuals have purchased individual bonds to build a laddered
portfolio—one that is done in such a way that year after year investments
mature and roll over with reinvestment occurring in the same context—but there
are mutual funds, closed-end funds, and as of about seven years ago we have
municipal bond ETFs, which are another vehicle that investors can use.

BUTCHER: What stands out about Van Eck's suite of municipal bond ETFs?

COLBY: I like to think of the suite of municipal ETFs at Van Eck as
“munis made easy.” I say that because these are diversified portfolios. These
are portfolios that are segmented across the spectrum of both credit and
maturity, which means, in terms of assessing what risk profile an investor
chooses to assume. They can choose from credit as well as where on the maturity
spectrum.

BUTCHER: Jim, thank you very much for that very
interesting explanation of the characteristics and attractions of the municipal
bond asset class.

COLBY: My pleasure.

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IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE

The views and opinions
expressed are those of the speaker and are current as of the video’s posting
date. Video commentaries are general in nature and should not be construed as
investment advice. Opinions are subject to change with market conditions. All
performance information is historical and is not a guarantee of future results.
For more information about Van Eck Funds, Market Vectors ETFs or fund
performance, visit vaneck.com. Any discussion of
specific securities mentioned in the video commentaries is neither an offer to
sell nor a solicitation to buy these securities. Fund holdings will vary. All
indices mentioned are measures of common market sectors and performance. It is
not possible to invest directly in an index. Information on holdings,
performance and indices can be found at vaneck.com.

Diversification neither
assures profit nor protects against loss.

Municipal bonds are
subject to risks related to litigation, legislation, political changes, local
business or economic conditions, conditions in underlying sectors, bankruptcy
or other changes in the financial condition of the issuer, and/or the
discontinuance of the taxation supporting the project or assets or the
inability to collect revenues for the project or from the assets. Bonds and
bond funds will decrease in value as interest rates rise. The Fund may also be
subject to credit risk, interest rate risk, call risk, lease obligations, tax
risk, and risks associated with non-investment grade securities. The market for
municipal bonds may be less liquid than for taxable bonds. There is no
guarantee that the Fund's income will be exempt from federal or state income
taxes. Federal or state changes in income or alternative minimum tax rates or
in the tax treatment of municipal bonds may make them less attractive as
investments and cause them to lose value. Capital gains, if any, are subject to
capital gains tax. For a more complete description of these and other risks,
please refer to each Fund's prospectus.

A portion of the Funds’
dividends may be subject to federal, state, or local income taxes or may be
subject to the federal alternative minimum tax. Fund shares are not
individually redeemable and will be issued and redeemed at their NAV only
through certain authorized broker-dealers in large, specified blocks of shares
called "creation units" and otherwise can be bought and sold only through
exchange trading. Creation units are issued and redeemed principally in kind.
Shares may trade at a premium or discount to their NAV in the secondary market.
You will incur brokerage expenses when trading Fund shares in the secondary
market. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Returns for actual
Fund investments may differ from what is shown because of differences in
timing, the amount invested, and fees and expenses.

Investing
involves substantial risk and high volatility, including possible loss of
principal. An investor should carefully consider the investment objective,
risks, charges and expenses of the Fund before investing. Bonds and bond funds
will decrease in value as interest rates rise. To obtain a prospectus and
summary prospectus, which contain this and other information, call 800.826.2333 or visit vaneck.com/etf. Please
refer to the Fund's prospectus
and summary prospectus, which should be read carefully before you
invest.

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